Skopje, 16 March 2025 – Due to the tragedy in Kochani, the Government of the Republic of North Macedonia has declared a seven-day period of mourning throughout the country and announced rigorous measures against those who will not respect this decision.
The Agency for Audio and Audiovisual Media Services advises the media to broadcast/publish contents that, by their media function, correspond with the days of mourning. The music they will broadcast should belong to the musical genres appropriate for days of mourning, while the broadcasting of entertainment shows, funny shows or comedy programmes should be postponed until after the mourning period. The broadcast of advertisements, i.e. all forms of commercial communications, should also be postponed until the end of the days of mourning.
During the days of mourning, broadcasters are exempt from the obligation to broadcast certain percentage of domestic music.
The Agency calls on the media to continue reporting professionally, taking into account the dignity of the victims, the injured and their families and to use verified sources and relevant interlocutors when reporting.